A major role for non-major histocompatibility complex genes but not for microorganisms in a novel murine model of Graves' hyperthyroidism.

The etiology of Graves' disease is multifactorial. We investigated the role of genetic and environmental factors on the susceptibility to Graves' hyperthyroidism using a new murine model. Intramuscular injection of recombinant adenovirus expressing the thyrotropin receptor (AdCMVTSHR) induces Graves'-like hyperthyroidism (thyrotropin receptor [TSHR] antibodies, elevated thyroxine, and diffuse goiter) in more than 50% of female BALB/c mice. The relative contributions of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and non-MHC genes on the susceptibility to hyperthyroidism were studied by immunizing BALB/c (H-2d), BALB.K (H-2k), and DBA/2J (H-2d) mice with AdCMVTSHR. Hyperthyroidism developed in approximately 50% of BALB/c and BALB.K mice but only 5% of DBA/2J mice, indicating a major role for non-MHC genes in disease development. The effect of environmental microorganisms was evaluated by comparing disease incidence in BALB/c mice maintained in pathogen-free conditions versus those in nonsterile, conventional housing, as well as by coadministering microorganism components (Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide or yeast zymosan A) as adjuvants with AdCMVTSHR. Neither type of exposure to environmental pathogens influenced disease induction. In conclusion, non-MHC genes, but not infectious organisms, play a major role in the etiology of this novel murine model of Graves' disease.